The last Vulcan in an airworty condition has returned to the British airshow circuit by displaying at RAF Waddington at the weekend (5th – 6th July).
Not only did the crowd see the Vulcan displaying in a wonderful return solo flight, but it also took to the skies with the only airworthy Lancaster World War II bomber, as a tribute to Avro aircraft and a feast for the eyes for all who attended the event.
Following the problems on Sunday, where the Vulcan could not fly, the guys have confirmed the problem, and sorted it.
In operational mode, the Vulcan could have flown, but after all this time, you cannot blame them for not flying. Mind you, I would have been tempted to send someone back to Bruntingthorpe to grab the spare part that was needed.
Still the crowds were treated to a fast taxi and aborted take off on the Sunday which would have made some amends.
Now the Delta lady will enjoy a few days at Waddington before she heads off to her next display, probably with a bag of spare parts. In my mind I will now always be able to remember the flight of the Vulcan and the Lancaster, together for the first time. Who says things cannot get better. Well, it could be even better if they paid for the Southend and Wellesbourne Vulcan’s to return to flight too. Cor, imagine three Vulcan’s taking off. Wow, oh well back to my dreams.
It finally happened, when I last posted on Friday night, I mentioned the CAA permit to fly, but no DA, permission to display.
What happens, they grant it. So Saturday finally saw the Vulcan fly in a display after all these years. Congratulations to all those who helped along the way. You can still help by visiting the Vulcan website.
I’ve added a couple of video’s from Youtube which I feel sum up the performance on Saturday, listen to the announcer on the second one, that’s real emotion.
The only upset was the old girl could not fly on the Sunday but then, as we saw before, she does not like being left outside, whereas at Bruntingthorpe, she has her own hanger for warmth.
One more old lady in the sky, next target is Concorde, eh!!
Since the return to flight started, I have seen many clips shot by fans posted on youtube.
This video actually makes me tremble inside. It really sums up the Vulcan.
The video is shot as the Vulcan returns to it’s former home at RAF Waddington, hopefully to play some part in the airshow, even if it’s just a ground display.
The second video gives you the famous Vulcan growl, you will know when it is.
And finally, another view of her returning to Waddington
Firstly, congratualtions to the guys at Bruntingthorpe. The Vulcan has received its CAA permit to fly and is already in the air and flying to Waddington in preparation for this weekends airshow.
Everyone must be so happy with the news. Many of us had our fingers crossed and were suspicious when the web cams showed the Vulcan out of the hanger and the announcement of a BBC transmission from the airbase really got the old thought juices flowing.
I can’t wait to see her fly in the flesh, unfortunately with the announcement so close to the airshow, I will have to miss Waddington, but I am sure there will be at least two shows in the near future I will attend. The shame is that the Vulcan will probably only form part of the static show, this in itself is a huge boost, with the ultimate goal, seeing her soar in front of her adoring public. I am also sure, that the true die hard fans, will try to find out when she is due to fly out so they can watch and feel the growl as she powers up for takeoff.
Once again Congratulations to all involved, including the public who gave their own money and to the Lottery Commission who recognised an important cultural icon to help preserve.
Why not visit the Vulcan website, read more about the plane and donate if you can.
So, there’s still no news from the CAA regarding the flight status of XH558, however, the operating company have been running low on funds. This has been due to extra test flights and other expenses.
It was getting so close that the irony of having an airworthy Vulcan but no money to fly her was very much on everyones mind.
However, where there’s hope there is sometimes an answer. The answer to our lovely delta lady came in the shape of Eddie Forrester, Managing Director of Aerobytes.
Mr Forrester, already a supporter of the Vulcan, has contributed an undisclosed sum, which will now see the Vulcan safe till the end of the display season. By which time, a large sponsor will hopefully want to contribute to such a large crowd puller.
We all now have our fingers crossed that the CAA are able to reply before Waddington, so that the public, who have also contributed so much to the Vulcan’s survival, can see the lady perform again.
The Vulcan is still poised ready for flight, but still there is no news. The team at Bruntingthorpe, who have worked for years to reach this point, must still wait on the CAA to say whether the permit to fly will be granted and if amny flying can be done in the interim.
The team still want to be present at the RAF Waddington International Air Show on 5th-6th July, however, this will only be possible if the CAA grant the permit to fly.
The trust still also need to raise money to keep her flying, once the permit is approved, so if you have not donated, please consider it.
Whilst we are waiting here’s some youtube footage from a user showing the how Waddington used to look in the 60’s with a full flight of Vulcans.
And you can always visit the tvoc website for more info.